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Environmental Health Topics

Air Quality

Air Quality

Air Quality

Air quality is defined in terms of both ambient air (outdoor air) and indoor air. According to the EPA, ambient air refers to the atmosphere that is external to buildings where the general public has access. Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the “air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.” Learn more about Air Quality >

Water Quality

Water Quality

Water Quality

Water quality impacts every aspect of our interaction with the element. From the water we drink, to the water we swim in, the water that is used to grow our food and replenish our aquifers, water quality has a direct impact on our health and wellbeing. Learn more about Water Quality >

Food Safety

Food Safety

Food Safety

Food-related diseases affect tens of millions of people and kill thousands each year. A foodborne illness is caused by eating or drinking a contaminated food or beverage. NEHA’s Food Safety programs are dedicated to educating food safety and environmental health professionals. Through the varied food safety related resources available through NEHA, we aim to help inform, educate and improve preparedness, response, and prevention of foodborne diseases within both the regulatory and industry workforce. Learn more about Food Safety >

Preparedness

Preparedness

Preparedness & Response involves awareness, planning and action in emergency situations due to natural disaster, terrorism event, or disease outbreak. Preparedness assists in building community resiliency in both health and economics. Learn more about Preparedness >

Climate Change

Climate Change

Climate Change

According to EPA, “climate change refers to any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time,” such as changes in temperature, precipitation, or wind patterns. Learn more about Climate Change >

Vectors & Pests

Vectors & Pests

Vectors & Pests

According to the World Health Organization, “Vectors are living organisms that transmit infectious diseases between humans or from animal to human”. The most common and impactful vectors for humans are mosquitos and ticks. Public Health Pests are organisms that are a nuisance to the general public but do not transmit disease. The most common public health pest is the bedbug though recent research has shown that they may have the ability to transmit disease. Learn more about Vectors and Pests >

Tracking & Informatics

Tracking & Informatics

Health Tracking & Informatics

Health Tracking and Informatics involves the collection, standardization and distribution of data from environmental indicator and health outcome monitoring. While many individuals track their own health via personal health trackers such as Fitbit or Jawbone, environmental public health tracking involves the collection and presentation of data for a community, county, state or country. Tracking and Informatics can help leaders make more informed decisions on spending and focusing efforts and allow for citizens to better understand the effects of the environment on their health. Learn more about Health Tracking & Informatics >

Looking for other Environmental Health Topics?

The Environmental Health Topics A-Z Index is an informational tool that helps you quickly find and retrieve specific information. The A-Z index is structured and cross-referenced to provide multiple ways for you to access various environmental health topics. From ebola and chikungunya to bed bugs and E-coli, wherever human health and the environment intersect, we’ll guide you through the science and facts behind the issues.